Four-star Washington target Hayden Lowe commits to USC

One of Washington’s top edge rusher targets announced his commitment to USC on Sunday.

As the Washington Huskies move into the Big Ten, one of the biggest points of emphasis for Jedd Fisch’s coaching staff is the defensive line. The Huskies are looking to reload up front after losing all four starters from the 2023 season.

One of defensive line coach Jason Kaufusi’s top targets was four-star edge rusher Hayden Lowe, who announced his commitment to USC on Sunday. The Huskies were set to host the Oaks Christian High School product, who is ranked as the nation’s No. 19 edge rusher by 247Sports, for an official visit on June 21, but now that trip is in doubt following his announcement.

There’s a lot better culture from the team and from new staff they brought in,” Lowe told On3’s Scott Schrader of WeAreSC.com. “They also brought a lot of new players. I know [Texas A&M transfer DL] Anthony Lucas has been out there getting after it. And the defense had four interceptions in the spring game, so they were all getting after it.”

Following his commitment, Washington’s list of edge targets is down to four-stars CJ May, Chinedu Onyeagoro, and Smith Orogbo, along with three-star Devin Hyde.